On a busman’s holiday from his full-time gig as guitarist of the critically beloved Broken Social Scene, Andrew Whiteman checks in with his second album under the Apostle of Hustle banner. The follow-up to 2004’s Folkloric Feel, this Canadian outfit’s sophomore effort is a loose and meandering affair. But what makes National Anthem of Nowhere so appealing is its unwillingness to go to all the places you expect it to; choruses come at the last minute, verses switch back on themselves and the inventive instrumentation keep making peculiar, albeit appealing turns. Produced by Martin Kinack and Whiteman in Montréal, Toronto and Whiteman’s own bedroom, this album’s idiosyncrasies are what make it so hard to resist. “The Naked & Alone” is a throbbing slab of breezy pop, replete with layered vocals; “Cheap Like Sebastian” is pure indie rock swoon; and “Chances Are” is a charming blast of laconic beauty. Later, “A Rent Boy Goes Down” is pure street-smart hustle; the instrumental “Fast Pony For Victor Jara” showcases Whiteman’s love of Cuban music and “Justine, Beckoning,” though sonically upbeat, comes with a palpable longing. Meanwhile, there’s the hushed, groovy beauty of “Jimmy Scott Is The Answer,” and the closer “NoNoNo” is a mellow, melodic winner.
~ Alex Green
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